Investigating the role of proteins in a drug-resistant fungus and their potential as vaccine targets
Official title: Role of multi-drug resistant Candida auris Hyr1 / Iff-like proteins in virulence and their potential as vaccine targets
Funded at Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center · NIH-10985976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins in the tough fungus Candida auris to see how they help it cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, and it hopes to use this information to create a vaccine that could help prevent these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,800 |
| NIH project number | 1K01AI180591-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals who are at high risk for Candida auris infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific proteins in the multi-drug resistant fungus Candida auris contribute to its ability to cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The project aims to explore these proteins as potential targets for vaccine development, which could help prevent infections. The research will involve laboratory experiments and animal models to assess the effectiveness of these proteins in eliciting an immune response. By leveraging advanced techniques, including mRNA technology, the study seeks to fill critical gaps in current knowledge about fungal pathogens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines against Candida auris infections, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting other fungal pathogens, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Shakti — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Singh, Shakti
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.